The prospect of Rangers playing in the Scottish Premier League next season has increased with confirmation that five member clubs would need to object for such a move to be blocked. At a meeting on Monday SPL clubs adjourned talks on financial fair play proposals until 30 May. These matters have direct relevance to Rangers, for whom the American businessman Bill Miller is the preferred bidder to take the club out of administration. Miller wants to establish Rangers as a so-called 'newco' to play in the SPL, a matter which has prompted outrage among opposition fans. SPL clubs have asked to take such a decision between them, rather than leaving it to the league board. If Miller's application arrives before 30 May, the board will consider it but only after a meeting, and presumably vote, of clubs.Neil Doncaster, the SPL's chief executive, confirmed an 8-4 is all that would be required to allow a newco entry.

Doncaster also refused to deny reports the SPL has been given legal advice which says no points penalties could be imposed on a team re-entering the league in such a form. "It is a very emotive issue and I have spoken to a lot of people including lots of supporters about the situation," Doncaster said.

"The perception is that there is a massive distinction between a newco and a company voluntary arrangement and that a newco is somehow worse for creditors. That may not be the case. Clubs have been able to write off debts over the history of football. It has gone on for many years and many, many, many clubs have written off an awful lot of debt.

"That includes a number of clubs within Scottish football. They have written off debt and re-emerged within the league structure. It has certainly been the case south of the border, even involving newcos. We should not be assuming that this is somehow unique.

"It has aspects that are unique, but, fundamentally, clubs going into administration and writing off debt has happened on many occasions over many years."

Doncaster dismissed the suggestion that clubs are guilty of looking to safeguard guaranteed cash rather than paying attention to matters of sporting integrity. "I think that is entirely unfair on the owners who are concerned with the survival of their clubs," the chief executive insisted.

Rangers' administrators did not attend the SPL's latest meeting at Hampden Park, instead submitting a written request for an adjournment. "The administrators gave the reason that they felt it was appropriate for any new owner of Rangers to be involved in a decision in those sorts of area," Doncaster explained.

Doncaster refused to even hint at when the crucial investigation into allegations that Rangers' players historically held double contracts will be concluded.

"I'm not going to make a prediction," the chief executive said. "It is a complex investigation and it will be completed when it is completed. It is being carried out by the league's solicitors and it is a hefty piece of work.